Wewahitchka Medical Center hosts free quit tobacco classes in January

New Year’s is a common time for making resolutions to quit smoking or other forms of tobacco. If this is on your list, consider these tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

Special to The Star

New Year’s is a common time for making resolutions to quit smoking or other forms of tobacco. If this is on your list, consider these tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

1. Write down why you want to quit. Do you want to -

• Be around for your loved ones?

• Have better health?

• Set a good example for your children?

• Protect your family from breathing other people’s smoke?

2. Know that it will take commitment and effort to quit smoking. Nearly all smokers have some feelings of nicotine withdrawal when they try to quit. Nicotine is addictive. Knowing this will help you deal with withdrawal symptoms that can occur, such as bad moods and really wanting to smoke.

3. There are many ways smokers quit, including using nicotine replacement products (gum and patches) or FDA-approved, non-nicotine cessation medications. Some people do not experience any withdrawal symptoms. For most people, symptoms only last a few days to a couple of weeks. Take quitting one day at a time, even one minute at a time—whatever you need to succeed.

4. Get help if you want it. Smokers can receive free resources and assistance to help them quit by calling the 1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline (1-800-784-8669) or by visiting CDC's Tips From Former Smokers™. Your health care providers are also a good source for help and support.

5. Remember this good news! More than half of all adult smokers have quit, and you can, too. Millions of people have learned to face life without a cigarette. Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to protect your health and the health of your family.

Wewahitchka Medical Center is hosting a tobacco free program called “Tools to Quit” 5:30-7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The class is offered by Big Bend AHEC’s trained facilitator to guide participants as they identify triggers, explain withdrawal symptoms, and brainstorm ways to cope with them. Participating in Tobacco Free Florida's quit services such as this program can double your chances of quitting any form of tobacco for good.

The Tools to Quit Program is a two-hour seminar where participants learn how to develop a successful quit plan. This program offers free nicotine replacement therapy (while supplies last and if medically appropriate), educational materials, goodies for their quit day, and follow-up support.

The classes are open to anyone. If interested in attending, please contact Wewahitchka Medical Center at 639-5825 to RSVP or visit the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290903137649358/

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.